LoloNFStockingSurveysIDIQ_12034320Q0048.pdf

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 1 OF

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30 57

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE 4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

12034320Q0048

DATE

03/04/2020

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER(No collect 8. OFFER DUE DATE/

7. FOR SOLICITATION Michael J. Lucas calls) 406-329-3979 LOCAL TIME

INFORMATION CALL: 03/30/2020 4:00 p.m.

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITON IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: __100____% FOR

USDA – Forest Service

Region 1, Acquisition Management

Attn: Michael Lucas

Western Montanan Acquisition Zone

SMALL BUSINESS WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (WOSB)

ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

HUBZONE SMALL SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

BUSINESS

24 Fort Missoula Road

Missoula, MT 59804

EDWOSB NAICS: 115310

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED SIZE STANDARD: 8.0 M

SMALL BUSINESS 8(A)

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINATION

UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS 13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE

See Delivery Schedule

16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

Same as Block 9

17a. CONTRACTOR/ CODE FACILITY

OFFEROR ADDRESS CODE

DUNS No: ____________________________________________ Tax Identification No.: ___________________________________

CAGE Code (see FAR Provision 52.204-16) __________________

Email Address: _________________________________________

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

All invoices will be processed using the Department of

Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), visit http://www.ipp.gov to learn more. Contractors must follow the instructions on how to register and submit invoices via

IPP.

TELEPHONE N0.

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

OFFER IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM N0. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

STOCKING SURVEYS

LOLO NATIONAL FOREST

MISSOULA, MT 59804

PLEASE PLACE YOUR QUOTE IN

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS, page 3

FURNISHING QUOTATION: Complete Standard

Form 1449, Schedule of Items, Experience Questionnaire, Two Task Orders and Solicitation Provisions as your quote.

Please return to the address shown in Block 9. Place

“Solicitation No. 12034320Q0048 on the envelope.

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY DATED .. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS: ____________________

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV.2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212 http://www.ipp.gov/

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: ___________________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER

PARTIAL FINAL

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER 40. PAID BY

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC’D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

SERVICES AND PRICES

Schedule of Items

B- 1 Schedule of Items. Important: This Schedule of Items is based on the Task Orders in

Section J of the attachments. This Schedule of Items will be used by the Government for evaluation of price. See Attachments, J-1 and J-2 for Two Seed Task Orders. Offerors must submit prices on both Task Orders and insert unit price and total price in table below.

B- 2 Basis of Award

The Government may make up to Four contract awards from this solicitation. The contract award selections will be based on a Best Value determination by the Contracting Officer. Evaluation factors are past performance, experience doing similar work, technical knowledge, safety, quality control, and price. Non-price factors are significantly more important than price. The Experience

Questionnaire will be used in the evaluation for award. The two seed projects will be used to evaluate price. Prepare a price quote by completing the Schedule of Items for each of the seed projects listed within Section J (J-1, J-2). Vendors are hereby cautioned to ensure they are providing realistic pricing.

The pricing established in these seed projects may be utilized as a comparison for future task order pricing. A contractor’s quote may not be considered if all seed projects are not offered on as stated.

Upon Award(s), the Seed Projects will be issued as Task Orders to two of the awarded contracts based on price.

B- 3 AGAR 452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts (FEB 1988)

During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, Ordering, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $1,500.00 per awarded contract (per Contractor) over the life of the contract, but not in excess of $1,000,000 for all contracts awarded.

Task

Order.

Unit Name

Est.

Quantity

Unit of

Measure Unit Price Total

01 Seeley Lake RD 739 Acre $_________ $___________

02 9-Mile RD 475 Acre $_________ $___________

Commercial Item thru FAC 2019-05 – 08/13/2019 12034320Q0048

Stocking Surveys Lolo National Forest

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Background: The Forest Service is in need of Reforestation Stocking Surveys to monitor reforestation activities in planted and natural regeneration areas on the Lolo

National Forest. The surveys are used to determine stocking density, distribution, species composition, and health of regeneration.

2. Scope of Contract: The USDA, US Forest Service, Northern Region (R1) Lolo National

Forest intends to make up to 4 awards for a 5-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite

Quantity task order contracts. This contract is for Fixed Plot Stocking Surveys and

Walk Through Surveys of Acquired Lands in accordance with Region 1 standards

(attachment J-11). The majority of work shall be performed in burned-over and planted stands on the Lolo National Forest. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished), and incidentals to perform all work necessary on the areas specified. All aspects of the work program shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner to assure services will be performed over the entire unit.

3. Performance: This contract is a Performance Based, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite-

Quantity (IDIQ) 5-year Contract.

4. The performance period for the Task Orders will be approximately from April 1 to

October 15 of each contract year. Subsequent years will have approximately the same performance period dates. Exact performance time will be negotiated per task order.

5. Location and Description: The stocking survey units are located on the Lolo

National Forest, Montana. (See Vicinity Maps, Exhibits). Specific locations, maps and Silvicultural Certification Standard Spreadsheets of survey units will be provided with each task order.

6. Access: The Contractor may access the units from forest roads indicated on project maps. The Contractor shall clear any trees that block roads needed to access units.

The Forest Service assumes no obligation to do any special maintenance to keep roads open.

a. Walk-in Areas. Some units may be indicated as ‘walk-in’ units. All walk-in distances will be calculated using the shortest logical route to the nearest edge of the unit.

b. Locked Gates. In cases where units are behind locked gates, the Contractor shall close and lock gates after entering or exiting each gate. Contractor shall be subject to all other restrictions of administrative use, including posting signs for the public as directed by District policy. The Contractor shall be permitted to drive from the locked gate to the unit with only the minimum number of vehicles necessary for efficient transport of the crew. No firearms are permitted behind locked gates. Vehicle access will be prohibited behind locked gates during Montana’s big game hunting season, which generally begins around

October 15th of each year.

7. Camping: The Contractor will be allowed to camp during performance of the contract.

Camping is subject to approval by the District Ranger. The District Ranger may designate a campsite and a permit will be required. All clean-up or restoration of the site is the responsibility of the Contractor and must be completed before a campsite is vacated.

8. Onsite Representative: The Contractor’s onsite representative shall be fully conversant and literate in the English language and shall be in the work area whenever work is in progress.

9. Definitions:

Access Point. The point identified for access to survey units.

Block. A pay-item made up of a group of stands. Each block will contain a minimum of

200 acres and a maximum of 1000 acres. A block is the basis for quality control and quality assurance inspections.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The onsite contract administrator for the

Contracting Officer. The duties and responsibilities of the COR are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer.

Contract Time. See Period of Performance.

Non-Stockable Area. An area which cannot support establishment of planted stock or natural regeneration due to factors including but not limited to rock, compacted soil, standing water, and harsh site conditions. For example, a dry, natural open meadow which did not historically support trees should be considered non-stockable.

Period of Performance. (Also Performance Period or Contract Time). The number of calendar days allowed in the contract and/or Task Order for completion of contract work.

Plot. An area of ground within a fixed radius.

Quality Assurance. The actions taken by the Government to assess the results to determine that they meet contract requirements. The methods for quality assurance are described in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

Quality Control. Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the production of outputs to ensure that they conform to the contract requirements. The methods for inspecting for quality control are described in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

Stand. A contiguous group of trees sufficiently uniform; in age class; distribution;

composition; structure; and growing on a site of sufficiently uniform quality; to be a distinguishable unit.

Stressed Trees. This is a tree that is alive but shows signs of deterioration caused by either environmental or/and human factors and survival is questionable. Some examples of environmental factors are animal browsing, heat stress, insects, or disease. An example of human factor is poor planting.

10. Government-furnished Property:

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the

Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government

Property” FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

Item

Description

Where, When, How Cost if lost or not returned

GIS Stand Map

Printed and/or digital stand map copies.

Provided at pre-work meeting or with task order.

N/A

NAIP Imagery

Printed and/or digital copies of NAIP imagery will be provided.

Provided at pre-

All Forms needed to collect data

Natural regeneration and planted stand quick plot survey form (an electronic Excel spreadsheet template), stocking survey cover sheet, and walk through form.

Provided at pre-

Silvicultural Certification Standard Spreadsheet.

Spreadsheet with silvicultural prescription certification standards for each stand:

planting season, planting TPA, minimum TPA for certification, minimum height, desired species composition, acres, etc. (See Exhibits)

Provided at pre-with task orders.

Access behind locked gates (Key)

Some units are behind Forest road closures (locked gates). The Government will provide a permit and gate key to the Contractor.

During period unit is being surveyed.

$500.00 per key.

11. Technical Specifications:

Stocking Surveys Plots: Shall be performed in accordance with Forest Service Handbook, R1

Supplement 2409.17-2002-1 (effective 4/29/2002), Chapter 2 – Reforestation 2.73 – Stocking

Surveys (see Attachment J-11). Along with approved Contractor proposal, and Government direction.

1. Locating and Determining Number of Plots.

Systematic plot surveys will be on an unbiased grid to produce a minimum 1% sample.

a. Minimum number of plots per stand. If the stand size is 10 acres or less, a minimum of one plot per acre will be required, with no fewer than 5 plots per stand. For stands

11 to 19 acres, a minimum 1% sample is required with no fewer than 10 plots per stand.

2. Individual Plot Data

a. Plot Survey Form. Utilization of the Reforestation Quick Plot Survey Form

(R1-FS-2470-18a) is mandatory. Contractor will be required to submit an electronic copy of the data. An electronic template (Excel format) will be provided by the government. See

Attachments, J-26 and J-27 (Natural Regeneration Stand and Planted Stand forms).

i. Unit Name, Date, Surveyed By. Self-explanatory

ii. Plot Number. Consecutive numbering.

iii. Planted Stock: Silvicultural Certification Standard Spreadsheet (SCSS)

iv. Tree Height Categories (Planted Stock Form) Will be dependent upon the

Silvicultural Certification Standard (SCS).

A three-foot height standard has 4 categories: (1) < 1.5 feet in height, (2) 1.5-3.0 feet in height, (3) 3.1-10 feet in height, and (4) > 10 feet in height.

A two-foot height standard has 4 categories: (1) < 1.0 foot in height, (2) 1-2 feet in height,

(3) 2.1-10’ in height, and (4) > 10 feet in height.

v. Tree Height Categories (Natural Regeneration Form)

Tree height categories for Natural Regeneration (NRG) will have 4 categories: (1)

3”-1 foot in height, (2) 1.1-2.5 feet in height, (3) 2.6-10 feet in height, and (4) > 10 feet in height. Make note in remarks column for germinates < 3 inches in height on plots.

vi. List only trees of acceptable quality. Do not count stagnated residual trees or badly damaged trees, suppressed or diseased trees unless experience has shown that these trees will eventually release. All counted and tallied trees shall be of acceptable quality exhibiting no signs of imminent death. If a tree is alive but stressed and survival is questionable list the tree on the line below the tallied live healthy trees and circle it. These live stressed trees should be counted in the “Total Live Trees In Plot” on the “Quick Plot

Survey Form” (Attachment, J-25).

vii. Tree column Tallies and Total Live Trees in Plot. Include all acceptable planted and natural regeneration trees meeting the height criteria. The maximum number of total live trees to be tallied per plot and the maximum number of trees to be counted in the Trees Per

Acre (TPA) calculations will be pre-determined by the Government and is available on the

Silvicultural Certification Standard Spreadsheet. Plots with excess of maximum trees per plot shall be noted in remarks column of the Reforestation Quick Plot Survey Form. If not otherwise indicted on the Task Order, the maximum total live trees per plot is 30. For 1/50 acre plots:

the maximum tally per column heading is 12, and the maximum total live trees per plot is 30. For 1/100 or 1/300 acre plots, unless otherwise indicated on the Task Order, the maximum tally per column heading is 8 trees, and the maximum total live trees per plot is 30. “Total Acceptable Trees per Plot” is used to calculate total acceptable trees per acre.

See (xi) Regeneration Species Composition.

viii. Plot Stocking Class. Stocking class is based on the TPA certification standard on the Silvicultural Certification Standard Spreadsheet. If the number of acceptable trees on the plot meets or exceeds the TPA stocking standard for certification, when expanded to a TPA basis, the plot is satisfactorily stocked.

If the number of trees on the plot is less than the certification TPA standard when expanded to a TPA basis the plot is unsatisfactorily stocked.

If the number of trees on the plot is less than the certification TPA standard when expanded to a TPA basis, but a portion of the plot is non-stockable the plot may be either satisfactorily or unsatisfactorily stocked.

For example, on a 1/50th acre plot, if the certification standard is 200 TPA and 3 acceptable trees occur on the plot, but ¼ of the plot is non-stockable, the plot is satisfactorily stocked. The non-stockable area would be indicated in the remarks column. However, if on this same plot only 2 acceptable trees occurred, the plot would be unsatisfactorily stocked.

If a plot is non-stockable due to rock or other factors, its classification would be listed as non-stockable.

ix. Stand Comments. Stand comments on the Stocking Survey Cover Sheet shall include pertinent information to survey findings. Including but not limited to major vegetation components, vegetation competition (grasses/shrubs), seedling distribution and composition; insects/disease, animal, drought, frost, heat damage/mortality, results of poor planting quality/nursery stock, etc.

x. Stand Diagram. Sketched on the reverse side of the Stocking Exam Cover

Sheet, writable PDF or blank stand map. Once a method is determined it will be used for the entire contract unless agreed upon in writing. The Stand Diagram shall be legible and at a large enough scale for others to interpret. The sketched unit map features shall include but not limited to rock outcrops, landings, skid trails, road access, slash and other features for reference and to indicate the ability to re-stock portions of the unit. Indicate plot locations.

Draw figures around groups of overstocked, unstocked (or non-stockable) areas or plots to depict the shape and size of the area on the ground.

xi. Regeneration Species Composition. The total acceptable trees per acre field is based on the “stockable area” in the stand and the level it is stocked. Therefore, planted trees that occur within nonstockable plots should not be counted in the tree per acre calculations. The maximum TPA tally per plot is 12 per column and the maximum total live trees per plot is 30. Total acceptable live trees per plot is used to calculate total acceptable trees per acre. However, stand species composition is calculated based on column totals. Total stand or species TPA is calculated as follows: total acceptable TPA / # stockable plots x reciprocal plot size. For example, for a stand that had 40 acceptable trees over 20 plots 1/50th acre plots, the overall TPA would be 40/20 x 50 = 100 TPA.

b. Stocking Survey Cover Sheet. Utilization of the Stocking Survey Cover Sheet is required unless an alternative method is requested in writing and approved by the Contracting

Officer prior to start of work. Cover sheets can be turned into government in electronic format

(such as writeable PDF) or physical paper format. Once a method is determined all cover sheets should be turned into the government in the same format. See Attachment, J-21 (Stocking Exam

Cover Sheet). Fields are self-explanatory.

c. Technical Aspects and Procedures Used on Stocking Survey Plots. The

Contractor shall use the following procedures to gather data and install stocking survey plots.

i . Locate unit and set up a systematic grid. A grid to cover the size and shape of each unit will be created using maps, aerial photos, and onsite considerations. It is up to the contractor to determine the best way to create the grid and locate the plots on the ground

(GIS generated plots located with a GPS or a hand created grid with plots located by compass and pace method are two possible methods). The contractor will turn in plots locations to the Forest Service in Latitude/Longitude format using NAD 83 datum. To achieve a minimum 1% sample the grid spacing will vary according to plot size. e.g., 1/50th plot will be on a 4.5 chain grid, 1/100th plot on a 3.2 chain grid, 1/300th plot on a 1 chain grid.

ii . Plot size will vary by unit and Government requirements. Choices of plot sizes are 1/300th, 1/100th and 1/50th acre. The plot radius will be corrected for slope using the correction tables in the Forest Service Handbook. To determine when adjustments are necessary, the slope will be measured with a clinometer and any adjustments will be noted on the plot sheet. Plots should average a minimum of 3 trees per plot. If a 1/50th acre plot is used the 3 trees per plot will be waived.

iii . If a plot needs to be offset to avoid running out of the stand, the following method will be used.

A. From the point where the plot originally landed turn perpendicular to the stand boundary and proceed in ½ chain increments until the plot falls within the stand.

iv . Spinning the plot - Plot procedure and technique.

A. Tallying Trees - Using the proper radius and starting at zero (0) degrees, proceed in a clockwise direction tallying acceptable trees by species and height.

Species will be those trees recognized and preferred by the Government specific to each unit.

Heights will be categorized in accordance with the certification standards that apply to both planted and natural regeneration trees specifically (a declination 15 degrees east will be used).

A. Trees not tallied. Dead trees or trees clearly near death shall not be tallied but a note shall be made in the remarks column as to the cause of mortality. Individual trees after twelve (12) have been tallied shall not be tallied. Trees that are not officially tallied will be duly noted on the Plot Sheet.

B. Plot center shall be marked with a stake at least twelve inches (12”) tall before leaving the plot. Pink flagging will be tied to the stake and the FACTS ID and plot number will be written on the flag. Two strands of additional flagging shall be tied at or as near as possible to eye level to assist in locating the plot.

C. The remarks section shall be used to indicate other considerations that may affect tree health. e.g., aspect, wildlife sign, gopher activity, other vegetation, tree age and etc. Percent slope shall be taken for each plot and documented in the “remarks section”. All of the percent slopes taken in a stand shall then be averaged and documented on the “Stocking

Survey Cover Sheet” at “average slope %”.

D. Visual observations shall be made throughout the day and between plots to confirm that plots are representative of the unit. These observations will help bolster stand knowledge by helping with the final summary sheet, assessing stand health, and giving an overall description of the stand.

E. The plot stocking class shall be determined at each plot and duly marked on the plot sheet (digital). The main considerations for classification are: i) TPA - The

Government prescribed Trees Per Acre will dictate the stocking class. If the tallied tree total is below the Government TPA requirement then the stocking is unsatisfactory. If the totals are equal to or greater than the Government requirements it is satisfactory. ii) Non-stockable areas will affect the stocking class of a plot. All non-stockable areas shall be noted and identified on the plot sheets. A fully non-stockable plot will generally be easily identified by large rock outcrops, surface water, or other physical features that prevent trees from growing in an area.

When only a portion of the plot is non-stockable than the % of the ground in the plot that is not stockable is determined and expanded.

v . Stand Map - A map shall be sketched and included with each unit’s cover sheet. The map shall represent the shape of unit including a north arrow and any major landmarks. The location of the plots shall be marked. Any problem areas, such as non-stockable areas or areas where plantations failed will be sketched on the map and identified.

vi . The comment section will cover the general overall condition of the stand and the trees. The summary shall include the observations made by the surveyor between plots and may include information that was not present on the plots. Examples include animal sign/activity, disease or insect activity, competing vegetation and grasses, a synopsis of the over story/residuals, aspect and slope, planting factors, burn intensity, etc.

d. Stand Classification Analysis. The stand classification is a result of number evaluation and Government requirements. The goal is to classify a stand with respect to the certification standards set forward by the Government’s silviculture plan. Mathematical calculations will determine if the certification standards are met. The certification standards are specified on the Silvicultural Certification Standard Spreadsheet. They typically include:

1. >70% stocked level.

2. 2’, 2.5’, 3’ height standards or as directed by the Government for each stand.

3. Acceptable TPA for each unit.

4. Number of growing seasons as directed by the Government.

5. Species composition as specified in the Silvicultural Certification Standard Spreadsheet.

Silvicultural Stocking Standard Status is Fully Met when the above conditions are met.

A Progressing Stand does not meet all the criteria but is expected or anticipated to in the future. Factors used in determining a status of progressing include: seedling distribution, natural regeneration potential, tree condition and health , percentage of stressed trees, stand stocking suitability (e.g. rocky ridge, swamp), species mix (disease and insect resistance), mortality rates and reasons.

A Failed Stand does not meet the criteria and is not expected to do so.

Discrepancies between Government-furnished stand information and survey findings shall be addressed in the stand summary. e.g.—Plantation reported to have eighty percent (80%) ponderosa pine, fifteen percent (15%) Douglas-fir, and five percent (5%) lodgepole pine. The survey does not locate any Douglas-fir.

Walk-Through Exams: Walk through exams will be conducted on recently acquired lands

(legacy lands). Not a lot of information is known about the current vegetation that exists on these sites. The intent of a walk through exam is to get a basic overview of the current vegetative structure of these areas along with basic health and needs information.

1. Header information- Self-explanatory.

2. Management area: Enter the Management area number. Information will be provided by the Government.

3. Elevation range: Record the lowest elevation in the stand and the highest elevation.

4. Aspect: Record the dominant aspect of the entire stand (Ave. aspect).

5. Record whether the majority of the stand is in a riparian area or not.

6. Record the plurality habitat type for the stand using Pfister’s (1977) Habitat types of

Montana.

7. Road Access Description: Record basic directions on how to get to the area.

8. Roadside Weeds: List Noxious weed species by percentage that are along main roads that are within or adjacent to the stand (boundary of stand). It is not necessary to list species that are found along roads before reaching the unit.

9. List any Insects and Diseases that are affecting the stand.

10. Forest Structure

• Record the total TPA for all size classes.

• Record the approximate species composition by percentage of each species that represents at least 10% of the stand.

• Record the average number of snags per acre over 10” DBH

• Record the Average DBH of these

11. The vertical structure of the trees will be broken into a maximum of three classes.

Understory, Midstory, and Overstory. For the purposes of this survey the overstory will be defined as trees greater than 30 feet tall. The midstory will contain trees up to 30 feet tall and the understory will be trees that are shorter and clearly distinct from the mid and overstory. To qualify as a “story” the layer must cover at least 10% of the area. In the case of remnant trees that do not cover 10% of the area record in the notes section.

• Record if the stand is Single storied, Two storied or Multi-storied. This is not scored on the scoring sheet.

• For each “story” record each species that makes up at least 10% of the species composition of that layer. For each species record:

• Size class: seedling = height <4.5 feet, sapling = height >4.5 feet and

DBH

<4.9”, Pole = DBH > 5.0” and < 7.9”, Sawtimber = DBH > 8.0”.

• Trees per Acre (TPA)

• Average DBH

• Average height of the species.

12. Determine whether the site is suitable for timber production and list reasons for your decision. For the purposes of this exam the suitability will be based on the ability of the stand to grow trees and be regenerated if harvested. Examples of things that could factor into the decision are site quality, erodibility of slopes, amount of rock, etc. This is not an official determination and is not scored on the scoring sheet. It is purely a professional opinion.

13. Describe the terrain characteristics (such as benches, rocky spines, etc.) and determine if the stand would be tractor logged or cable logged. In general tractor logging occurs on slopes less than 35%. Anything greater than that and it is considered a cable logging unit. This is not scored on the scoring sheet.

14. Determine if the current stand delineation is acceptable. If not list the reasons why and draw how the stand should be delineated on the stand map.

15. Fuel Loading: For each stand record whether the stand has unburned slash piles from previous logging, and if the fuels are continuous (evenly dispersed) or clumpy (jackpot).

Also record if there are logging slash concentrations.

16. Thinning assessment. Only record information for Understory and Midstory layers in this section. This section is used to help determine if the stand needs to have TSI work done.

a. Spacing: Record the current average spacing of trees under 30 feet tall.

b. Record the total live trees per acre for trees under 30 feet tall.

c. Record the average height to crown for trees under 30 feet tall.

d. Record the average compacted live crown ration for trees under 30 feet tall.

e. Record the percent canopy closure for trees under 30 feet tall.

17. Record any planting recommendations. This section is not scored on the scoring sheet.

18. Notes: Record any other relevant notes and observations about the stand! This can be the most important part of the survey. Include things like recommended management actions, observations about past management, insects and diseases, wind throw, overall health of the stand, ability to log, etc.

19. Sketch a map of the unit and draw any and all relevant information on it. Examples of things to include on the sketch are new stand delineation lines, dense and thin vegetation areas, patches of noxious weeds, slash pile locations, roads, ridges and benches, rock outcrops, areas that are recommended to be planted or have TSI work, etc.

12. Government Quality Assurance: Quality Assurance will be performed by the

Government during the contract at regular intervals. Methods may include visual survey and review of Contractor quality control documents. Deduction for work may include rework at no cost to the Government or Government acceptance with price reduction.

13. Contractor Quality Control Plan: The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control

Plan (QCP) within 10 days of award of each task order.

The Quality Control Plan shall address how the Contractor will assure quality meets the requirements and specifications of the contract. It shall specify how quality will be monitored to assure the performance standards are met; the supervision of crew and work; and identify the personnel that will be performing the quality control.

For each Block of Stocking Survey Plots, the Contractor’s QCP must provide for re-sampling of at least 1% of the Contractor’s plots and must include no fewer than 30 quality control plots. Evaluation and scoring must be based on the Stocking Survey

Scoring System, see Exhibit 06. The quality control plots must be unbiased and sample across the entire population of acres.

For each Block of Walk through exams, the Contractor’s QCP must reexamine enough whole stands to equal 10% of the total acres in the block. Once the Contractor assures the Government the quality of a given Block is at least 90%, the Contractor will submit the written results of the Block and the quality control plots to the Government.

Work Plan. In addition, the QCP shall include a work plan prepared by the Contractor.

The work plan should demonstrate how work will be completed within the performance period. The work plan should outline staffing and production rate to accomplish work in accordance with contract specifications including items such as; estimated progress per surveyor; size of crew and number of personnel assigned to work on this Task Order. This plan should outline the sequencing of work, and should contain milestones for inspection documentation. Submission of inspection documentation shall be well-distributed throughout the performance period.

The Contractor should provide a general plan with the technical proposal. A supplementary plan and schedules will be provided after issuance of a task order, 10 days before start work. The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer or COR of any periods that the

Contractor will not be working that is not specified in the accepted Work Plan.

The Contractor shall notify the Government of impending scheduling problems as soon as possible. The Contractor may update the work plan when work is in progress if necessary and the Contracting Officer may accept the updated work plan. The Contractor shall recognize that altering work plans will affect the Government’s ability to inspect, and therefore will adjust any planned partial invoicing accordingly.

1. Safety Plan. A safety plan should be outlined in the QCP. Much of the work will be performed in areas burned by the wildland fires from 2000-2017. These areas contain numerous standing dead trees in weak condition. Therefore, the Contractor should outline how work will be performed safely under these conditions. At a minimum, the QCP shall cover use of Protective Personal Equipment, and how weather or other conditions will be monitored to reduce Contractor’s exposure to known hazards, and how employees will be accounted for at the end of each work cycle (day, trip into area, etc.)

2. Camping and Worksite Conditions. The Contractor shall prepare a Camping and/or

Worksite Plan and operate in a manner that will protect the environmental resources and the public facilities. The conditions will be consistent with the requirements of Section H “Use of

Premises.

3. Communications. The QCP shall outline how communications will be maintained between the Contractor and the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR). Notifying the Contracting Officer and COR of progress, work location, and changes to the QCP or scheduling is of specific importance. The Contractor shall keep the

Contracting Officer and COR advised as to where the Contractor or Contractor's representative may be reached by phone during periods of work suspension, periods of time without work or other unforeseen circumstances. Further, the Contractor shall maintain contact with the

Contracting Officer during periods of work suspension or periods of time without work.

14. Standards:

1. (Mandatory) Forest Service Handbook, R1 Supplement 2409.17-2002-1 (effective

4/29/2002), Chapter 2 Reforestation, Section 2.7 - Reforestation Surveys and Monitoring.

ections 2.7-2.73 (See Attachment J-11)

2. OSHA’s Field Sanitation

CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items

(Deviation 2017-1) (OCT 2018)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered;

and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any

Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727).

However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

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(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include—

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice;

and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by

Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR Part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/52_232.html#wp1153351 https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/52_232.html#wp1153375 http://uscode.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe?getdoc+uscview+t29t32+1665+30++%2831%29%20%20AND%20%28%2831%29%20ADJ%20USC%29%3ACITE%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt

Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR Part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see

52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractor point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting

Officer.

(6) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109 , which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

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(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by

33.211 if—

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the

Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on—

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the

Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in 32.608-2 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the

Government upon:

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(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government’s convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the

Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The

Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the

Contractor’s records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable…